Jean Shin

Anthropocene Fossils

Artist Jean Shin visited Louisville in the spring while the Ohio River had reached record levels. Massive amounts of consumer debris led her to envision a project that connects the natural history of Louisville’s riverfront to the present environmental conditions.

“Struck by the potential of the material debris found on the river banks, I propose to harvest and transform the detritus into a large site-specific installation. I would like to work with the local community to gather debris that has been washed up by the Ohio River and make a new public artwork that engages audiences into the creative process.”

“My project is inspired by the exposed fossil beds nearby at the Falls of the Ohio …The ambition of Anthropocene Fossils is to similarly draw audiences to explore our contemporary imprints.”

“By transforming the accumulation of river debris on site, my project invites the public to explore these cultural artefacts while contemplating the impact of consumer waste and post-industrialization on our environment, landfills and navigational systems today.“